Night shifts: 5 Live listeners' experiences

After an item on BBC Radio 5 Live's Wake Up To Money programme about increasing numbers of night shift workers in the retail industry, many listeners contacted us with their stories of working overnight, and the positives and negatives.

"As a self employed milk-man, I have been working 65 hours a week, mainly at night for 36 years. And I am as fit as a butcher's dog. It's an attitude of mind. You just get on with it, and it's not a problem." Richard

"Six years at sea doing various hours on watch, 30 years in the police working a mix of night and day shifts. I now wake up at 0500 every day, even though I am retired." Chris in south Gloucestershire

"I've worked as a minicab driver for the last 30 years, and I have done nights for all but the first year. Can't beat it, I use less fuel, get around London a lot quicker and go home less stressed. I sleep in the afternoons from 11:30 to 16:30. But most importantly my wife has the whole bed to herself, and control of the remote after I'm gone. Me the same in the day time. We only argue at weekends. I'm 68 and still doing it." Alan in Bedfordshire

"Now on my way home having finished my night shift. I drive freight trains and we do a lot of night shifts.

We start at various times and can have shifts that might start at 20:00 or 02:15. It really does mess with everything from your body clock and meal times. Constantly feeling tired and you can be very short with those around you.

I have worked shifts most of my life and here in Suffolk it pays well in the industry I am in. I do have to travel an hour each way to get to and from work which is very trying especially after an 11 hour shift. I do enjoy shift work though and enjoy the freedom through the week where I can get lots of stuff done through the day." Matt in Suffolk

"Morning, have worked nights for nine years. Own a bakery, love being able to just get on without interruptions. Sleep for five hours during the day so double up as our dog sitter. No complaints." Stuart in Dover

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